The Opportunity is Ripe for Green Entrepreneurs

The "Green Age" is a global transformation similar in magnitude to the "Information Age." Wall Street investment bank, Goldman Sachs, concluded environmental businesses will earn over 1 trillion dollars by 2010. President-elect Obama's Administration will make energy and the environment a top priority. The opportunity to create a sustainable start-up has never been better. 

While oil continues to come down below $50 per barrel, we still need alternative energy sources, education and conservation to reduce our dependency on fossil fuels and overcome global warming. As the world races to find solutions to many ecological problems, it’s creating vast opportunities for entrepreneurs to make money while helping to protect the planet.

As founder of the Green Maui Guide, I invented the first green e-zine for Hawaii. In addition, I taught a class titled “how to start a green business.” In my class, I listed over 100 opportunity areas for green entrepreneurs. In virtually every field. My favorite opportunity areas include: green investment advisors, eco-fashion designers, business energy auditors, green computer gurus, indigenous landscape architects, green builders, eco-tourism guide and sustainability consultants.

Why not come up with an invention or service yourself? If you’re already living a green lifestyle the idea is probably right in front of you. You might just come up with the next big idea. Pay attention to the green things in your life and consider if you can make them better. Then check your idea out on the Internet to see what your competition is up to. Maybe somebody is providing a service outside your area that you could set up locally. Or maybe there is a niche market for a product that focuses on the home, autos, pets, gardening or the like. Sell your products or services on craiglist or ebay. It not just new technology entrepreneurs in Solar Valley making bucks. It companies like the Whole Foods natural food chain, Pantagonia clothing and Method, green cleaning products.

There are venture capital firms springing up that fund private companies specializing in alternative power, water technologies, organic and natural foods, and environmental technologies. Check out the Green Investment Network to get connected with ecology minded investors. Socialize with other entrepreneurs in a fun environment at Green Drinks. Join or start and eco-investment club. Read the "Going Green" section of Entrepreneur e-zine.

Create a job for yourself in the new green collar economy. While companies are laying off people, business is booming at placement agencies like Green Bright Talent.  

Starting a green business will not only transform your finances, it will help change the world for the better.

Larry Burke is an award winning Professor and publisher of the popular 
Green Business (greenmauiguide.com). He has an MBA from Harvard University and a BA from Stanford University.Visit for more about 
sustainable energy and conserve energy